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About the programme

Learn how to be creative on a computer!

Build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Communication)

A negotiated pathway towards the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ Diploma in Photography (Level 6),ÌýBachelor of Visual Arts ´Ç°ùÌýBachelor of Architectural Studies may also be possible. Please email us to learn more about the pathway option to Bachelor of Architectural Studies.

Alternatively, this programme will prepare you for a junior role in a creative workplace. 

We have two pathway options:

1. Communication Design
2. Game Design

For the Communication Design pathway, you'll explore graphic design, digital photography, web design, digital illustration, animation, and interactivity. And you'll complete a research project about symbols, motifs and markings and how they connect with cultural identity. 

For the Game Design pathway, you'll explore world building, content creation and game design using Unreal Engine. You'll also learn about real time 3D art and design, lighting and atmospherics, interactive logic and narrative game design. This pathway will provide you with the practical, relevant skills you need to enter the indie game development industry or you can pathway into the Bachelor of Design (Communication) and continue your game design focus.

Entry

Entry requirements

• Open entry.
• International students will be individually assessed to ensure they have an acceptable level of secondary school achievement.

English Language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years),ÌýOR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Other requirements

• A portfolio or other evidence to demonstrate your creative work. We need to see this so we can make sure you’re ready for studying at Level 4.
• You might also need to attend an interview so we can make sure this programme is the right choice for you.

Preparing your portfolio

We need to see some examples of your creative work so we can make sure you’re ready for studying at Level 4.

We call this a portfolio.

We're keen to see examples of your work that shows us your design, graphic and/or art skills.

Please send us 10 to 12 examples of work that show a variety of techniques and interests, such as:

• drawings/sketches
• paintings and/or printmaking
• photographs
• images of original 3D objects that you have made
• digital art/digital illustration
• animations
• whatever you feel is visually informative about yourself and your abilities.

**Please note:**If you’re an NCEA student and are thinking of submitting your NCEA portfolio, we’d recommend you take photographs of your creative works before you send it for external moderation. Sometimes portfolios aren’t returned on time and then you have nothing to submit to us.

How to send us your portfolio

You can send us your portfolio digitally or in a physical format (we do prefer digital).

Digital Portfolio

Please make sure you take quality photographs of your pieces of creative work if you are sending us a digital portfolio. Make sure the light is right and the images aren’t blurry. Please take photographs of individual artworks as well as your NCEA board as a whole. We want to be able to see your work at its best!  

During the online application process, you'll be asked to upload your portfolio documents. These should preferably be uploaded as PDFs.

Alternatively you can:

• send it to us on a USB (using the address below)
• email it to us at [email protected],Ìýor
• provide a link to your website or online platform in the 'Portfolio website link’ section of our online application form.

You will also be asked to provide two statements during the online application process:

1. Why have you decided to study this programme? (60-100 words)

You’ll be asked why you've decided to study this programme. 

It’s a good idea to prepare something to add into the online form before you begin the application process.

Think about what makes you drawn towards art and design? Are you curious about what creative career might be best for you? Tell us about it.

2. What skills and experience do you have? (60-100 words)

You’ll then be asked about your skills and experience. Again, it’s a good idea to prepare this before you start applying.

Think about how you create visual art and design projects. What materials do you use and how do you use them? For example, if you use paint, describe how you apply it, layer it or mix colours as you create your pieces. 

Physical Portfolio

Firstly, complete the online application process. During this, you’ll be asked to provide the two statements outlined above. 

Then pull together your portfolio ready to post to us.

Please include photographs or colour photocopies of your work in an A4/A3 clear file folder and clearly label with your name. Please don’t send any original pieces of work.

Remember, please make sure you take quality photographs of your pieces of creative work. Please take photographs of individual artworks as well as your NCEA boards as a whole. Make sure the light is right and the images aren’t blurry. We want to be able to see your work at its best!

When you’re ready to send us your portfolio, send it to the address below (or drop it off in person at Customer Services):

Attn: Student Administrator for Design
Customer Services
Otago Polytechnic
F Block, Forth Street
Dunedin 9016

Please remember to enclose a self-addressed, postage-paid courier package so that we can return your portfolio to you.